Battle of Gaoping

When the Later Zhou right-wing commanders Fan Aineng and He Hui fled in the face of the enemy, Chai Rong braved arrows and stones to direct the battle himself, and Zhao Kuangyin and others led the guard troops in a charge, crushing the Northern Han and Liao armies

Belligerents

Background

After Guo Wei, Emperor Taizu of Later Zhou, died, Liu Chong of Northern Han allied with the Liao army and advanced south; the newly enthroned Emperor Shizong of Later Zhou, Chai Rong, ignored Feng Dao's objections and led the campaign in person.

Course of the battle

1. Right wing routsWhen the two armies engaged, Fan Aineng and He Hui on the Later Zhou right wing fled first with their cavalry, and the infantry surrendered to the enemy
2. The emperor fights in personChai Rong personally braved the hail of arrows to direct the battle, while Zhao Kuangyin and Zhang Yongde each led 2,000 guard troops in a charge against the enemy line
3. Pursuit after victoryThe Northern Han army suffered a crushing defeat; the Liao general Yang Gun held his troops back, and Liu Chong fled back to Jinyang with only about 100 horsemen
4. Restoring military disciplineAfter the battle Chai Rong executed more than 70 officers, including Fan Aineng and He Hui, and reorganized the Palace Army

Outcome at a glance

Impact

The Battle of Gaoping established Chai Rong's authority; the Palace Army he reorganized later became the military foundation of the Northern Song's unification, and Zhao Kuangyin rose to prominence from it.